Walking the GR7 in Andalucia

From Tarifa to Puebla de Don Fadrique

Trekking guidebook to the GR7 in Andalucia, from Tarifa to Puebla de don Fadrique. Both variants included; the north through Cordoba, the south through Granada. Over 700km, the trail takes over a month and explores varied landscapes, including the Sierra Nevada. Included are practical accommodation details to help plan. Part of the E4 route.

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Description

Comprehensive guidebook to walking the GR7 through Andalucía in southern Spain. Both variants, the northern that visits Cordoba, and the southern that goes through Granada and the Sierra Nevada are included. This wonderfully varied route starts at the southernmost tip of Spain on the coast at Tarifa, and meanders through the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga before dividing. The northern fork measures 718km, 34 to 41 days in total, while the southern fork is 735km, 35 to 42 days. Both routes finish at Puebla de don Fadrique.

The fully waymarked route crosses seven stunning natural parks and the Sierra Nevada national park, home to mainland Spain's highest peak - Mulhacen. All the information needed to plan a trek is included. Stage maps use official IGN mapping. Detailed route descriptions are given for around 60 days of walking, with options for creating shorter sections and days. The GR7 avoids tarmac roads wherever possible, instead taking ancient trade routes, bridlepaths and even goat tracks, there are only a few sections of steep ascent, so this route is suitable for walkers of reasonable fitness and navigational ability.

With its white sandy beaches, pine and oak forests, near-desert plateaus, snow-capped peaks, traditional villages, lush river valleys and olive groves, the GR7 in Andalucía takes you on a journey through the most geographically diverse region on the Iberian peninsula. Famous among holidaymakers for its coastline, the GR7 offers the opportunity to see another side of Andalucia. You will explore little-visited hidden gems, enjoy the natural parks and visit unspoilt peaceful villages.

Detailed route description for around 60 days of walking, with options for creating shorter sections and days.

Information on all the villages en route including accommodation so that you can plan your own route.

SeasonsSpring (March-June) and autumn (Sept-Oct) are recommended. Avoid July and August for the heat (up to 40°C) and winter for lack of facilities

This book covers a long varied route which has large sections where the route and markings have not been well maintained. Facilities including accommodation, restaurants and shops have also changed a great deal over the past few years.

Although details of facilities in towns and villages are included in the book, the authors strongly suggest that walkers call ahead to confirm the availability of accommodation and food advance to avoid problems.

Information about any changes for this page are also always welcome. Thank you to walkers who have given us the updates below:

Bar Alfredo in Cuevas del Becerro (just off Stage 7) is closed on Fridays. Call ahead (697 204 147) if you are arriving on a Friday. The owner also runs a taxi with 7 seats.

Ubrique (end of Stage 5): If you need a taxi for getting to or away from Peñon del Berrueco, try Manuel Benítez (655 56 61 10).

Between La Calahorra and Charches (Stage 28B) the large Andasol solar power station blocks the original route from the underpass beneath the motorway and La Calahorra train station. It is possible to skirt round this, following the fenceline. Once at the train station the route is now marked to follow the road to Charches, though it should still be possible to follow the orginal route through La Trinadad

Hotel Manjon in La Calahorra (end of Stage 27B) appears to have closed.

Lobras (Stage 23B) no longer has a bar or café.

Between Tarifa and Los Barrios (Stage 1) there is no longer a pension in Facinas and so there is no point making that detour.

Hostal Restaurante Jaufil in Zujar (Stage 29B) remains open (though the website listed no longer works) but the Hostal-Café Bar Jabalcón may not be. Alternative accommodation is available at the Hotel Balneario de Zujar tel: 958 191 000, http://balneariodezujar.es at Banos de Zujar (Stage 30B)

April, 2016

We are grateful to Kevin Freer for the following updates and amendments:

Stage 2

p. 55 – The CA5121 road has been re-numbered CA9207.

p. 55 – At the crossroads with the A405 it is worth noting there is a football stadium at this junction.

p. 55 – Neither bar at the junction is a hotel/hostal (even though one is shown as a hostal on Google maps). (There is also no accommodation in Estacion Ferrea if you turn right at the crossroads to go into town.)

p. 55 – The cycle route is on the right of the A405 not the left.

p.56 – The bottom paragraph should read 'After the bar, at about Km3.5 on the road take a marked short-cut up to the left, which crosses the main road after about 300m to follow on the historic cobbled route up to the castle'.

Stage 3

p. 58 – There are now some new GR7 markers along the 8km stretch before the Jimena/Castellar signpost.

Stage 4

p. 63 – The Ubrique 7h30 signpost points right, not left. Follow it to the right.

p. 63 – Between the 5th and 6th paragraphs, insert the following: '5 minutes after joining the attractive path ignore a minor track to the right. After a further 5-10 minutes you reach a small stone bridge going right across a stream. Cross this bridge then take an immediate left following the bank of the stream. Continue uphill following the stream, crossing sides a couple of times. Pass a small shrine cut into the rock face to your right directly by the stream and continue following the stream. Cross a couple more times until you finally cross to the left bank, and a clear path ascends away from the stream'. 200m later you reach the 'uncertain divide' referred to in paragraph 6: 'you then come out onto a wide track. Follow this uphill for 100m, passing a "Km 0" marker. Here the track turns left, but you continue straight ahead to the gate in the wall at the pass (Puerta de la Venta)'.

pp. 63/64 – A number of other tracks merge into the main track from both left and right. Follow th emain track to a signpost (Ubrique 5hr). Follow the sign and continue on the main track until you reach the Carrera del Caballo/Ubrique pass. From here, follow the main trail which bears left and is signposted Ulbrique 19km (the old Ubrique 4hr signpost is no longer there).

p. 64 – The 'cow shelter' is Albergue la Canada.

p. 64 – Paragraph 3: Ignore one right turn, then fork left off the main track at the next one. There are stones blocking vehicle access to this track. Continue on this track, and the route to the A373 is clear.

p. 64 – The Ubrique 2hr45 sign has been replaced by a new sign showing the direction to Ubrique, but not time or distance.

Stage 5

p. 68 – Rather than follow the road to the picnic area, about 5 minutes after the fountain there is a signpost directing the GR7 right, down a rough track. Follow this (the track improves), and this goes through the picnic area and back to the main road. Cross directly across the road onto the 'steep path'.

p. 71 – Second paragraph: Montejaque is 3.5km from the pass (as opposed to the fork).

Stage 6

p. 75 – First paragraph of Montejaque-Ronda: 'just under a kilometre out of town' should read '1km from the centre'. The signboard has gone. The footpath you want is now marked 'Tactario' and 'Capillo' not 'Ermita de Escarihuela'.

p. 78 – First paragraph, last sentence: take the right fork (uphill) at the second bar.